“If they only knew what I know about her.”

I had the priviledge of speaking at a Women’s Retreat this past weekend. It was such a special time of worship and fellowship with a group of wonderful ladies. I was particularly thankful that our three daughters were able to attend.

I realized that they – of all people – would know if I was speaking the truth about my personal walk with the Lord. These daughters have seen me at my very worst – for instance when I threw the money on the floor that I had been hiding for a family get-away. (the complete story on that is for another time – another post).

They have seen me when I am tired, grumpy, and just plain dangling from my last nerve – all before lunch! 🙂

It was good to have them with us for the weekend for the very reason that I could not fake it – they would know, and also let ME know. Their mere presence keeps me humble because of comments like:

• What’s with that skirt? Did you make it?
• Did you cut your hair yourself again?
• There is lipstick on your teeth.

They love to tease me and I know part of it is pay back for the one and only time I locked the back door after I had mopped the kitchen so that they couldn’t come in the house until the floor was dry. They have NEVER forgotten that!

Seriously, they were each very supportive and encouraging and I could sense their prayers for me.

It did make me think about the fact that we cannot “puff up” our stories or act as if we “have it all together” when our family is present and knows us – warts and all.

I shared from Luke 7 during the 1st session and in verse 39, Simon, a Pharisee, thinks to himself – “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of a woman she is – that she is a sinner.”

In other words – “If they only knew…”

Simon is referring to Jesus and Jesus responds to Simon as if he had spoken aloud.

That’s scary!

Jesus calls Simon out in front of all the guests. He is requiring Simon to “keep it real”.

My daughters could have thought – “If they only knew…”,

By God’s grace they knew what I shared was real and that it was from my heart. So much of what I have learned on my journey as a Christian I have learned by being a mother. Honestly, I have learned many spiritual lessons from our son and three daughters. They have kept me seeking wisdom from God’s Word as well as from mature Christians who I respect.

I continue to learn from them.

We all need to have a humble and respectful attitude toward one another in the Body of Christ.

In Romans 12:3, 4 Paul gives us a warning –

³ Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. ⁴ Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, ⁵ so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Let’s live so that “if they only knew…”

they would know God’s grace.